Investigating how cannabis affects the blood-brain barrier in people with HIV
Official title: Cannabis and Pathogenic Mechanisms influencing Blood Brain Barrier Function in HIV
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10898883 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis might affect the brain's protective barrier in people living with HIV, to see if moderate use could help protect the brain while heavy use might cause problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,239,289 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA058405-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898883 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who use cannabis, ranging from occasional to daily users.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or those without HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of cannabis use on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in individuals living with HIV. It combines clinical observations with advanced laboratory models to assess how different patterns of cannabis use may influence BBB integrity, inflammation, and mitochondrial health. By analyzing biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, the study aims to determine whether moderate cannabis use can provide protective benefits against BBB damage, while chronic use may have harmful effects. The findings could lead to better understanding and management of neurocognitive complications in people with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for neurocognitive impairments in people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential protective effects of cannabis on the blood-brain barrier, but this study aims to explore this relationship in a more comprehensive and systematic manner.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iudicello, Jennifer E — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Iudicello, Jennifer E
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.